Relationships - Work

I find it interesting that Paul, while talking about family relationships completes his thought with the following words:

‘Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.’

Many people have used this passage to show that Paul, and Jesus through Paul, approved of slavery; don’t get caught in that trap. Here Paul is not talking about people who are being forced to work against their will, he is talking to those who are indebted and are working to pay off the debt they owe. Once their debt is paid they are either free or they move to another person with whom they are indebted.

I believe this applies to us today more that most would like to recognize. Most of us work to pay our bills. Unfortunately too many of those bills are to pay off debt we have incurred for one reason or another. So this passage really tells us as Christians how to deal with our boss. We should work, aiming to do the best job we can, with sincerity from our hearts. Titus informs us to be well-pleasing in our work, not argumentative and not pilfering: Titus 2:9-10. In all the things we do we should show our faith that God will be glorified.

Paul addresses managers (bosses) as well when he instructs them to not use threats and abuse as a means to get their employees to work, but to recognize that God does not show favoritism towards managers nor workers.

These working relationships say a lot about who we are as people. It is easier to be righteous when assembled with fellow Christians, it is much more difficult when surrounded and hounded by unbelievers at work. Paul’s message is God’s message, be faithful and work with a sincere heart. If we do this, our relationship with God can only be strengthened and glory will be brought to His name.